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Speed Limits and Why They Are Important
Setting speed limits is a great tool that we as a city have to help improve the quality of life in Raleigh’s neighborhoods, while also increasing safety in our neighborhoods. There is a direct link between driver speeds and safety, especially for people outside of a vehicle. Pedestrians and cyclists are our most vulnerable users of public streets, and the City of Raleigh is committed to promoting safe streets to ensure that our neighborhoods are happy and healthy.
Lowering the speed limit from the current statutory unposted 35 mph is one of the most impactful things that any neighborhood can do to increase safety and quality of life on their neighborhood street.
Studies find a direct link between driver speed and severity of the crash when a crash between a pedestrian or cyclist with a vehicle occurs. By lowering speed limits on all of Raleigh’s neighborhood streets, we minimize risk and come closer to our goal of increasing safety in all Raleigh neighborhoods.
To view the context of the graph below, visit the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) for the full report.
Speed Limit Reduction Tracking
Between 2015 and 2024, we have lowered the speed limit on 805 streets which measures out to over 272 miles. Moving forward, we want to continue to increase the number of streets and the miles of streets reduced until all of Raleigh’s neighborhood streets have been successfully reduced.
Yearly Tracking:
2015: 14 streets measuring approximately 4.75 miles
2016: 29 streets measuring approximately 10 miles
2017: 21 streets measuring approximately 7 miles
2018: 35 streets measuring approximately 12.75 miles
2019: 7 streets measuring 2.5 miles
2020: 34 streets measuring approximately 13 miles
2021: 128 streets measuring approximately 54.6 miles
2022: 213 streets measuring approximately 88.28 miles
2023: 186 streets measuring approximately 44.4 miles
2024: 138 streets measuring approximately 34.81 miles.
2025: 13 streets measuring approximately 4.92 miles.
Speed Limit Reduction Processing
All streets currently going through the Speed Limit Reduction process are listed below. Ballot periods are open for two weeks, so please ensure to cast you ballot prior to the date listed below your street’s name.
To cast a ballot, you have three options:
- Use the PublicInput link below your street’s name.
- Email your response to NTMP@raleighnc.gov. Be sure to include the name of your street, your unique authorization code, and your "Yes" or "No" vote.
- Call 919-996-4066 to speak with the NTMP staff directly.
If you are interested in requesting a Speed Limit Reduction for your street, please complete the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program Application.
Active Speed Limit Reduction Ballots
Thornton Commons Neighborhood and Meryton Subdivision: Thornton Commons Drive, Elizabeth Bennet Place and Meryton Park Way
Votes need to be made by May 19, 2025
Public Input Survey
Old Buffaloe Road: Pine Knoll Drive to Buffaloe Road
Votes need to be made by May 09, 2025
Public Input Survey
Completed Speed Limit Reductions
All new speed limits will go into effect seven days from Council approval:
Stafford Avenue: Oberlin Road to Pogue Street
Currently scheduled to be presented to City Council for approval at the May 20, 2025 Council meeting.
Harvest Oaks Drive: Forum Drive to Baileywick Road
Currently scheduled to be presented to City Council for approval at the May 20, 2025 Council meeting.
Crest Road: from Varsity Dr to Avent Ferry Rd
Ballot period has ended. Staff is counting the ballots and updates will be posted once complete.
Approved Speed Limit Reductions
Ed Drive/Landmark Drive: Blue Ridge Road to Lake Boone Trail
Council approved the speed limit reduction at the April 15, 2025 meeting. Speed limit signs will be put in place and enforceable within 7 days of this approval.
Nancy Ann Drive: Lake Boone Trail to end of Nancy Ann Drive
Council approved the speed limit reduction at the April 15, 2025 meeting. Speed limit signs will be put in place and enforceable within 7 days of this approval.